Earlier this year, the 2012 Space Foundation Student Art Contest invited kids from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade to submit original artwork of the Universe. The only requirements were that the students adhere to the theme, "Space is Infinite - Explore!"

The contest wound up attracting more than 1,500 entries from 17 U.S. states, Turkey and Pakistan. According to the contest website:

The 36 winners, selected by a panel of distinguished art professionals from the Colorado Springs area, came from seven states and the country of Pakistan. Winners include first, second and third place in three style categories - drawing, painting and multimedia - within four grade categories - pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.

Included below are the grand prize winners from each grade category, along with a few of our favorites.